Oklahoma Student Wins 2014 Star Farmer Award
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014/87th National FFA Convention & Expo) – Zach Weichel was named the 2014 American Star Farmer today during the eighth general session of the National FFA Convention & Expo.
When Zach Weichel was 8 years old, he received a bottle calf from his grandfather. From that experience and others on his family’s farm, he knew he wanted to start his own cattle enterprise.
The Oklahoman FFA member raises more than 300 beef stocker cattle that will be transported to feedlots. He also grows wheat on 30 acres for production.
“While helping in my family’s operation, I became interested in developing my own cattle business,” he said. “My dad and grandfather’s knowledge of the livestock business has helped me deal with new situations as the volume of my herds have increased.”
A student majoring in animal science at Oklahoma State University, Weichel plans on returning to his operation full-time. Weichel said his goal of expanding his enterprise will come from advancing his knowledge through his education, conferences and practical experience.
“The satisfaction I get from meeting the everyday challenges of farming and ranching is why I wanted a career in production agriculture.”
Weichel, 21, is a member of the Cordell FFA Chapter in New Cordell, Okla., led by advisor Brian Dowdie. He is the son of Keith and Lana Weichel.
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